Plans for 158-bed luxury city centre hotel revealed

The Banana Warehouse site in York is set to be transformed into a 158-bed hotel after a developer revealed plans for a £20m investment in the site.

Hotel developer and operator Axcel Group bought the building last year and is working up plans for a Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Axcel said the redevelopment of the site on Piccadilly will act as a “catalyst for wider regeneration of the area” and fits in with the council’s Castle Gateway vision.

Comprehensive Design Architects is working on the proposals to ensure the retention of the iconic banana warehouse facade on the front of the existing building. It will be a contemporary design and will range from three to five storeys, replacing the existing run down buildings.

The design has been amended following initial feedback from the council, including a reduction in the height of the new development and simplifying the roof scape.

Oushan Deeljore, director of Axcel Group, said: “Our plans will rejuvenate this long-standing vacant site and will also ensure that the heritage of the existing building is retained for future generations to enjoy. This represents a major investment into York City Centre we are very enthusiastic to bring this luxury hotel brand to the City.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in our consultation so we can get as much feedback as possible, before the plans are formally submitted.”

Axcel Management specialise in operating, developing and investing in hotels across the UK, working alongside some of the leading brands in the hotel industry. The company bought Hotel 53 in York last year and rebranded it as a Holiday Inn.

A mixed-use development was mooted last year by the previous owner, Steamrock Capital before the site was sold.

To get the views of local businesses and residents, a public consultation session will be held on Thursday 16th August at the Holiday Inn York City Centre (formerly Hotel 53) on Piccadilly from 3pm until 7pm.